Judge Curtis E.A. Karnow: Comprehensive Profile - Analytics, Rulings, and Recent Cases

CA Bar #: 111648 (December 1983)

Appointed By: Gov. Arnold A. Schwarzenegger

Biography

The Hon. Curtis E.A. Karnow is a judge for the Superior Court of San Francisco County in California. He was appointed by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on February 23, 2005.


Karnow earned a B.A. in philosophy from Harvard University in 1974. He then received a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Law in 1977.


Karnow began his legal career as a law clerk for Judge Louis H. Pollak of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. While living in Philadelphia, he also worked as an assistant U.S. Attorney for the Office of the United States Attorney of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.


Karnow spent most of his legal career in private practice. He started at a small plaintiffs law firm, where he specialized in securities and antitrust class actions. Karnow continued to work extensively as an intellectual property litigator, acquiring national attention for his work in computer and internet law.


Karnow has worked for the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund on a pro bono basis. He has also represented indigent San Francisco families in their efforts to obtain guardianship of children with incarcerated parents.


Karnow has worked as an adjunct professor at Hastings College of the Law. He has also lectured at Stanford University, New York University, Yale University, and the University of San Francisco.


Karnow is the adopted son of Stanley Karnow, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter from the Washington Post. Stanley Karnow is widely known for his coverage of the Vietnam War. Karnow accompanied his father on his excursions into the field, spending his childhood living in Vietnam, France, North Africa, and Hong Kong. Karnow eventually moved to the United States in order to attend high school.


Karnow is a prolific writer. He has published a number of fiction and non-fiction books. He is also a licensed pilot.


He is registered as a Democrat.

Recent Rulings by Hon. Curtis E.A. Karnow

  • Jul 20, 2016 San Francisco County

    Notice Of Motion And Motion Of Non-Parties To Seal Portions Of Records Containing Personal And Confidential Financial Information

    Set for hearing on Wednesday, July 20, 2016, Line 5, NON-PARTIES WOODMONT REAL ESTATE SERVICES LP and REDWOOD REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT, INC.'S Motion To Seal Portions Of...

  • Feb 04, 2016 San Francisco County

    Notice Of Motion And Motion To Seal Portions Of Filings Made In Connection With Defendants Motion For Summary Adjudication Regarding Substantiation

    Set for hearing on Thursday, February 4, 2016, Line 15, DEFENDANTS MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND MONSTER ENERGY COMPANY'S Motion To Seal Portions...

  • Nov 17, 2015 San Francisco County

    Plaintiff Center For Environmental Healths Notice Of Motion And Motion For Court Approval And Entry Of Consent Judgment

    Set for hearing on Tuesday, November 17, 2015, line 4. PLAINTIFF CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH'S Motion For Court Approval And Entry Of Consent Judgment.

    Off calendar. ...

  • May 11, 2015 San Francisco County

    Defendants Bay Area Toll Authority And Golden Gate Bridge, Highway And Transportation Districts Notice Of Motion And Motion To Strike Plaintiffs Second Amended Complaint

    Set for hearing on Monday, May 11, 2015, line 6. DEFENDANTS BAY AREA TOLL AUTHORITY, GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE, HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATI...

  • Nov 03, 2014 San Francisco County

    DEMURRER TO 1ST AMENDED COMPLAINT

    Matter on calendar for Monday, November 3, 2014, Line 11, DEFENDANTS MOE HARB, ALAN MIKSHANSKY'S DEMURRER TO 1ST AMENDED COMPLAINT.

    Off calendar. Judge Karnow is hearing this case that was designated complex.

    Any party who contests a tentativ...

  • May 07, 2014 San Francisco County

    Notice Of Motion To Compel Arbitration And To Stay Litigation Of Plaintiff Heather Brydens Claims

    Matter on calendar on Wednesday, May 7, 2014, Line 3, DEFENDANT VERIZON CALIFORNIA, INC.'s Motion To Compel Arbitration And To Stay Litigation Of Plaintiff Heather Bryden's Claims.

    Continued t...

  • Apr 04, 2013 San Francisco County

    Notice Of Joinder And Joinder To Defts Demurers To Pltf'S Complaint; Memo Of P&A

    Matter on calendar for Thursday, April 4, 2013, Line 18, DEFENDANT U.S. SPECIALITY INSURANCE COMPANY's Joinder To Defendants Demurers To Plaintiff'S Complaint.

    Off calendar in Department 302. On February 27, 2...

  • Oct 24, 2012 San Francisco County

    Ntc Of Mtn And Mtn To Enforce Settlement And Appoint A Referee And For Costs And Attorneys' Fees

    Matter on calendar for Wednesday, October 24, 2012, Line 3, PLAINTIFFs PAUL WERMER, CAROL BROWNSON's motion To Enforce Settlement And Appoint A Referee And For Costs And Attorneys' Fees.

    The mot...

  • Oct 24, 2012 San Francisco County

    DEMURRER TO 1ST AMENDED COMPLAINT

    Matter on calendar for Wednesday, October 24, 2012, Line 16, DEFENDANTs BRANDO EMPIRE SAN FRANCISCO, LLC, BRANDY HO, JIMMY LAM's DEMURRER TO 1ST AMENDED COMPLAINT.

    Continued to November 1 to give Defendants the opportunity to comply with Local Rule 2.6C. D...

  • Oct 24, 2012 San Francisco County

    DEMURRER TO 1ST AMENDED COMPLAINT

    Matter on calendar for Wednesday, October 24, 2012, Line 12, DEFENDANTs JOSEPH OSSAI, JOSEPH LAPE DEMURRER TO 1ST AMENDED COMPLAINT.

    Sustained without leave to amend. No opposition filed. Any party who contests a tentative ruling must send an email to con...

  • Oct 24, 2012 San Francisco County

    MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT

    Matter on calendar for Wednesday, October 24, 2012, Line 5, DEFENDANT REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA's MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT.

    Denied as to Defendants Chen and Salmon and off calendar as moot as to Defendant Kea. As to Defendants Chen and Salmon, De...

  • Oct 24, 2012 San Francisco County

    Notice Of Motion And Motion For Leave To File Second Amended Complaint

    Matter on calendar for Wednesday, October 24, 2012, Line 6, PLAINTIFFs JACK MAMIYE, 1122 HOWARD STREET, LLC. A CALIFORNIA LIMITED liability company's Motion For Leave To File Second Amended Complaint.

    Granted. The clai...

  • Oct 24, 2012 San Francisco County

    Order To Show Cause Re Preliminary Injuncton

    Matter on calendar for Wednesday, October 24, 2012, Line 19, Order To Show Cause Re Preliminary Injuncton.

    Off calendar per request of the moving party. =(302/CK)

    ...

  • Oct 24, 2012 San Francisco County

    MOTION FOR WITHDRAWAL OF ATTORNEY OF RECORD

    Matter on calendar for Wednesday, October 24, 2012, Line 11, counsel for DEFENDANT DSL HOLDINGS, LLC, A CALIFORNIA LIMITED LIABILITY company's MOTION FOR WITHDRAWAL OF ATTORNEY OF RECORD.

    Granted. No opposition filed. Given the proximity of the n...

  • Oct 24, 2012 San Francisco County

    MOTION FOR WITHDRAWAL OF ATTORNEY OF RECORD

    Matter on calendar for Wednesday, October 24, 2012, Line 14, counsel for PLAINTIFF XI RUAN's MOTION FOR WITHDRAWAL OF ATTORNEY OF RECORD.

    Off calendar as moot. A substitution of counsel was filed on 10/11. Any party who contests a tentative rulin...

  • Oct 24, 2012 San Francisco County

    DEMURRER TO PETITION FOR WRIT OF MANDATE/ PROHIBITION/ CERTIFICATION

    Matter on calendar for Wednesday, October 24, 2012, Line 7, RESPONDENT CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO's DEMURRER TO PETITION FOR WRIT OF MANDATE/ PROHIBITION/ CERTIFICATION.

    The demurrer is overruled. Whether or not lac...

  • Oct 24, 2012 San Francisco County

    Ntc Of Mtn And Mtn To Dismiss/Alt Strike Ntc Of Appeal And Req. For Judicial Ntc

    Matter on calendar for Wednesday, October 24, 2012, Line 18, RESPONDENT GEORGE YARON's motion To Dismiss, or alternatively, to Strike Notice Of Appeal.

    The Court denies the motion to dismiss/strike. The Court ...

  • Oct 24, 2012 San Francisco County

    Ntc Of Motion To Approve Proposition 65 Settlement And Enter Judgment

    Matter on calendar for Wednesday, October 24, 2012, Line 9, PLAINTIFF RUSSELL BRIMER's Motion To Approve Proposition 65 Settlement And Enter Judgment.

    Appearance required. Counsel will be invited to explain the source of...

  • Oct 24, 2012 San Francisco County

    Mtn To Enforce Settlement; Memo Of P & A And Pos

    Matter on calendar for Wednesday, October 24, 2012, Line 2, PLAINTIFF STATE FARM GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY's motion To Enforce Settlement.

    Continued to November 27, 2012 per agreement of the parties. =(302/CK)

    ...

  • Oct 24, 2012 San Francisco County

    Notice Of Application And Applicaiton To File Amicus Brief

    Matter on calendar for Wednesday, October 24, 2012, Line 20, OTHER parties RALPH NADER, THE CENTER FOR COMPETITIVE DEMOCRACY's Application To File Amicus Brief.

    Grant. The brief is not relevant to the C.C.P ? 1008 issue before the C...

  • Oct 24, 2012 San Francisco County

    DEMURRER TO COMPLAINT

    Matter on calendar for Wednesday, October 24, 2012, Line 17, DEFENDANT THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA's DEMURRER TO COMPLAINT.

    The demurrer is sustained without leave to amend. The complaint does not plead a statutory or constitutional basis for the relea...

  • Oct 24, 2012 San Francisco County

    MOTION TO CONSOLIDATE ACTIONS

    Matter on calendar for Wednesday, October 24, 2012, Line 4, PLAINTIFF WYDE VOICE LLC, A CALIFORNIA LIMITED LIABILITY company's MOTION TO CONSOLIDATE ACTIONS OF CASE(S) CGC-12-522868 WITH CASE CGC-10-500472.

    Continued to October 31, 2012 per agreement of the par...

  • Oct 24, 2012 San Francisco County

    Mtn For Atty'S Fees; Req For Judicial Notice

    Matter on calendar for Wednesday, October 24, 2012, Line 13, CROSS DEFENDANT BRADLEY WHITE's motion For Attorney'S Fees.

    Denied. The court granted Cross-Complainants discretionary relief under Code of Civil Procedure section 473(b) from their fai...

  • Oct 24, 2012 San Francisco County

    Order To Show Cause Why Order For Sale Of Dwelling And Undeveloped Real Property Should Not Issue

    Matter on calendar for Wednesday, October 24, 2012, Line 10, Order To Show Cause Why Order For Sale Of Dwelling And Undeveloped Real Property Should Not Issue.

    Denied without prejudice. Petitio...

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Recent Cases by Hon. Curtis E.A. Karnow

On October 5, 2023 a contract/warranty case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge CURTIS KARNOW presiding.

54 Files
Filed

Oct 05, 2023

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. CURTIS KARNOW Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for CURTIS KARNOW

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

CONTRACT/WARRANTY

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 27, 2024

On September 15, 2023 an other non exempt complaints case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge CURTIS KARNOW presiding.

17 Files
Filed

Sep 15, 2023

Judge

Hon. CURTIS KARNOW Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for CURTIS KARNOW

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

OTHER NON EXEMPT COMPLAINTS

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 26, 2024

On September 7, 2023 a personal injury/property damage - non-vehicle related case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge CURTIS KARNOW presiding.

18 Files
Filed

Sep 07, 2023

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. CURTIS KARNOW Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for CURTIS KARNOW

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

PERSONAL INJURY/PROPERTY DAMAGE - NON-VEHICLE RELATED

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Personal Injury

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 27, 2024

On August 31, 2023 an other civil petitions case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Curtis E.A. Karnow presiding.

6 Files
Filed

Aug 31, 2023

Judge

Hon. Curtis E.A. Karnow Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Curtis E.A. Karnow

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

OTHER CIVIL PETITIONS

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 28, 2024

On July 26, 2023 a contract/warranty case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge CURTIS KARNOW presiding.

13 Files
Filed

Jul 26, 2023

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. CURTIS KARNOW Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for CURTIS KARNOW

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

CONTRACT/WARRANTY

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 27, 2024

On July 18, 2023 a business tort case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge CURTIS KARNOW presiding.

16 Files
Filed

Jul 18, 2023

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. CURTIS KARNOW Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for CURTIS KARNOW

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

BUSINESS TORT

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Economic Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 26, 2024

On July 7, 2023 an other non exempt complaints (complaint for civil penalties and injunctive relief) case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge CURTIS KARNOW presiding.

10 Files
Filed

Jul 07, 2023

Status

Default Judgment

Judge

Hon. CURTIS KARNOW Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for CURTIS KARNOW

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

OTHER NON EXEMPT COMPLAINTS (COMPLAINT FOR CIVIL PENALTIES AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF)

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 27, 2024

On July 3, 2023 a wrongful discharge case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge CURTIS KARNOW presiding.

29 Files
Filed

Jul 03, 2023

Judge

Hon. CURTIS KARNOW Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for CURTIS KARNOW

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

WRONGFUL DISCHARGE

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

Wrongful Termination

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 27, 2024

On June 27, 2023 a personal injury/property damage - non-vehicle related case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge CURTIS KARNOW presiding.

27 Files
Filed

Jun 27, 2023

Judge

Hon. CURTIS KARNOW Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for CURTIS KARNOW

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

PERSONAL INJURY/PROPERTY DAMAGE - NON-VEHICLE RELATED

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Personal Injury

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 28, 2024

On June 27, 2023 a money case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Curtis E.A. Karnow presiding.

11 Files
Filed

Jun 27, 2023

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Curtis E.A. Karnow Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Curtis E.A. Karnow

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

MONEY

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 28, 2024

On June 26, 2023 a money case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Curtis E.A. Karnow presiding.

22 Files
Filed

Jun 26, 2023

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Curtis E.A. Karnow Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Curtis E.A. Karnow

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

MONEY

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 26, 2024

On June 16, 2023 a personal injury/property damage - non-vehicle related case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge CURTIS KARNOW presiding.

19 Files
Filed

Jun 16, 2023

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. CURTIS KARNOW Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for CURTIS KARNOW

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

PERSONAL INJURY/PROPERTY DAMAGE - NON-VEHICLE RELATED

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Personal Injury

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 27, 2024

On June 15, 2023 an other non exempt complaints case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge CURTIS KARNOW presiding.

32 Files
Filed

Jun 15, 2023

Judge

Hon. CURTIS KARNOW Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for CURTIS KARNOW

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

OTHER NON EXEMPT COMPLAINTS

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 28, 2024

On June 12, 2023 an auto accident case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Curtis E.A. Karnow presiding.

7 Files
Filed

Jun 12, 2023

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Curtis E.A. Karnow Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Curtis E.A. Karnow

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

AUTO ACCIDENT

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 06, 2023

On May 31, 2023 a money case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Curtis E.A. Karnow presiding.

17 Files
Filed

May 31, 2023

Status

Appealed

Judge

Hon. Curtis E.A. Karnow Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Curtis E.A. Karnow

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

MONEY

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 27, 2024

On May 25, 2023 a money case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Curtis E.A. Karnow presiding.

18 Files
Filed

May 25, 2023

Status

Appealed

Judge

Hon. Curtis E.A. Karnow Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Curtis E.A. Karnow

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

MONEY

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 27, 2024

On May 11, 2023 a contract/warranty case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge CURTIS KARNOW presiding.

40 Files
Filed

May 11, 2023

Status

Non-Jury Verdict

Judge

Hon. CURTIS KARNOW Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for CURTIS KARNOW

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

CONTRACT/WARRANTY

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 28, 2024

On May 3, 2023 a money case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Curtis E.A. Karnow presiding.

17 Files
Filed

May 03, 2023

Status

Appealed

Judge

Hon. Curtis E.A. Karnow Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Curtis E.A. Karnow

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

MONEY

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 28, 2024

On April 28, 2023 a contract/warranty case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge CURTIS KARNOW presiding.

29 Files
Filed

Apr 28, 2023

Status

Settlement

Judge

Hon. CURTIS KARNOW Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for CURTIS KARNOW

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

CONTRACT/WARRANTY

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 27, 2024

On April 27, 2023 an exempt collections (rule 3.740) case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge CURTIS KARNOW presiding.

10 Files
Filed

Apr 27, 2023

Status

Settlement

Judge

Hon. CURTIS KARNOW Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for CURTIS KARNOW

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

EXEMPT COLLECTIONS (RULE 3.740)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 26, 2024

On April 26, 2023 a personal injury/property damage - vehicle related case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge CURTIS KARNOW presiding.

15 Files
Filed

Apr 26, 2023

Judge

Hon. CURTIS KARNOW Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for CURTIS KARNOW

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

PERSONAL INJURY/PROPERTY DAMAGE - VEHICLE RELATED

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 27, 2024

On April 11, 2023 an other non exempt complaints case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge CURTIS KARNOW presiding.

25 Files
Filed

Apr 11, 2023

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. CURTIS KARNOW Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for CURTIS KARNOW

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

OTHER NON EXEMPT COMPLAINTS

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 28, 2024

On March 27, 2023 a money case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge Curtis E.A. Karnow presiding.

11 Files
Filed

Mar 27, 2023

Status

Appealed

Judge

Hon. Curtis E.A. Karnow Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Curtis E.A. Karnow

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

MONEY

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 08, 2023

On March 27, 2023 a wrongful discharge case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Francisco County. Judge CURTIS KARNOW presiding.

17 Files
Filed

Mar 27, 2023

Judge

Hon. CURTIS KARNOW Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for CURTIS KARNOW

Court

Superior

County

San Francisco County, CA

Category

WRONGFUL DISCHARGE

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

Wrongful Termination

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 28, 2024

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